A poorly fitted bra can cause breast soreness, stretch marks, as well as neck, back and shoulder pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should consider measuring your bra size, and especially so if you have gained/lost a lot of weight, are pregnant, or simply it has been a long times since you last measured yourself. Here are some simple steps to finding yourself a well-fitted bra.
While wearing no bras, or at least a thin non-padded bra measure your bra size by doing the following:
1. Band size: Wrap the tape measure snugly around your torso where the bra band will sit, which is directly under your breasts. Round to the nearest whole number.
2. Bust size: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your breast, which is usually right at the nipple level. Round to the nearest whole number.
3. Cup size: Calculate your cup size by subtracting your bust size to your band size. Every inch of difference represents a difference in cup size. Use the following chart to determine your bra size.
4. Your bra size is your band size and cup size, for example 32A, or 32C, where 32 is the band size you measured in step one, and A or C the cup size you determined by looking at the chart in step three. It is important to keep in mind that every store can have a different way of sizing their bras, yet this will give you a good starting point of what size to try on first, and assess for the good fit. Tip: Typically, if you need to go up a band size, you need to go down a cup size, or visa versa.
Assess the following features to find if your bra is a good fit:
1. Underbrand: The front and back of the band should be at the same level. Using the middle hook, it should have a snug fit, with no more than 1-2 fingers able to fit under the band. If you lift your arms up, or jump up and down the band should not ride up. Also, if you slide the straps off your shoulder, your bra should stay in place. Most of the support comes from the band, so it is very important you get the right size underband.
2. Straps:The straps should not dig into your shoulders; it should have a snug fit with no more than 1-2 fingers able to fit under the straps. It is ok if one strap is tighter than the other, as your breasts could be different sizes. Looking sideways, your breasts should bebetween your elbows and shoulders.
3. Cups:Your breasts should not be spilling out of your bras, nor hang away from your bra causing a gap. Aim for a snug fit; not too tight and not too loose.
4. Center front:The center front of the bra should sit flat against your chest. If it is not, you might need a bra with a larger cup size.
5. Underwire:The underwire should not be over any of your breast tissue. If you press down on the underwire, you should not feel it squish any of your breast tissue.
Consider your unique breast shape and find a bra style that best fits your lifestyle:
1. Assess your breast shape: Are your breasts symmetrical, or asymmetrical? Do you have a lot, or a little breast tissue? Are your breasts full on top and bottom of your nipple line? Do your breasts hang high or low?
2. Consider a style that might compliment your beast shape.
o Padded (lined) vs. unpadded (unlined)— Extra bra padding can help add extra volume/shape for individuals who might not have a lot of breast tissue, their breasts hang low, or have breasts that are fuller on the bottom vs. the top.
o Full coverage vs. partial coverage vs. plunge — Full coverage bras help bring breasts up and together, as well as prevent breast spillage for individuals who might have a lot of breast tissue. The partial coverage bra (aka demi, balconette, half- or shelf bra) provides ½ or ¾ coverage of the breasts, with the cup height cut one inch above the nipples for individuals who might have less breast tissue on the top and more on the bottom of the nipple line. The plunge bra has angled cups for individuals whose breast are more wide set, or point away, while allowing them to wear clothes with deep v-necks.
o Other features to consider: Wide foamed bra straps for individuals with a lot of breast tissue. Wireless bras for cup sizes under DD. Removable inserts for individuals with asymmetrical breasts. Stick-on/adhesive tape bras, and racerback sports bras help provide extra support and reduce bounce. Training bras/bralettes for 11-14 y.o. girls who are going through puberty and are starting to develop breast buds. In addition, there are strapless bras, multi-way bras, nursing/maternity bras etc.
What bra style is your favorite?
Photo source: blog.stylewe.com, sizecharter.com, today.com
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